Rolex 24 star power goes beyond the Alonso effect

The IMSA season-opener will feature numerous world class champions

January 5, 2018

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From the machines of the IMSA WeatherTech Sports Car Series to the drivers behind the wheel, the upcoming Rolex 24 is shaping up to be the capstone of a five-year period of reinvention for sports car racing following the Grand-Am/American Le Mans merger.

That was the claim from IMSA president Scott Atherton on Friday during a press conference during the Roar Before the 24.

"It's safe to say we have assembled the most significant field of race cars, race teams and race drivers that have been a part of a Rolex 24," Atherton said. "Some would say ever. I won’t go quite that boldy, and say in modern times."

The 'Alonso effect' was tangible at the 2017 Indianapolis 500 where national and international media attention zeroed in on the superstar making his debut appearance in the hallmark IndyCar race. Even with an engine failure robbing him of a possible victory, Alonso was dubbed 'rookie of the year' and led 27 laps of the 500.

With the spotlight shining, Alonso showed that he could participate at the highest level of IndyCar and be a solid contender. At the Roar, Alonso hopes to show that he can contend in sports cars too.

And the spotlight is extending its light on other storylines at the Roar this year, too.

"To have two active Formula 1 drivers here, Fernando Alonso here…Helio Castroneves, Juan Montoya, you run out of fingers," Atherton said. "To have the storyline of Ricky Taylor leaving the family, going to Penske, we’ve been anticipating the start of this season. It’s like trying to go to sleep as a young kid on Christmas eve… the Roar can’t come fast enough."

In terms of star power, Atherton said he feels there’s a bit of a paradigm shift happening in IMSA with the added blockbuster value of the names Alonso, Castroneves and others.

"It’s often said in sports car racing that the cars are the stars, not intending to take anything away from the drivers and personalities and teams that make those cars function, but what’s been added to the equation now is truly the benefit of some star power behind the wheel," Atherton said. "The fact is that we have true household names now competing."

That’s where he says he believes the strength of the state of the series comes into play post-merger.

"We have evolved a championship now and came through a very difficult and challenging period post-merger. We are very proud that we have stayed the course, and what you see today is the byproduct of that," Atherton said.

Drivers were asked about the “Alonso effect” during the press conference. Penske driver Simon Pagenaud said Alonso is part of a bigger, star-studded picture.

“It’s a bit of an IROC,” said Pagenaud referring to the former championship competition. “The best drivers of everywhere come over here and for the first race of the year to get warmed up and try to bring the big trophy back home. Obviously it’s exciting to have Alonso but it’s also exciting to have those big names around here,” he said.

Graham Rahal echoed that sentiment.

“There’s a lot of great talent,” said Rahal. “Juan’s [Montoya] won everything he’s been in, in F1 and everything else. There are a lot of great guys here, and a lot of big names and that’s what’s fun about this event. It’s great to see Fernando, [Alonso] clearly he’s a racer and he loves it, otherwise, he wouldn’t be doing the things he’s doing, but a lot of us are.” He added that the personalities would hopefully continue to elevate the sport, a hope IMSA’s president shares.

Atherton said that it’s 'remarkable' that someone of Alonso’s credentials will race Rolex 24, but stopped short of expecting the full 'Alonso effect' from Indianapolis.

"We’re not so naive to think that we will have a repeat of that," he said. "But it’ll be significant."

He expects that the Rolex will challenge Alonso.

"The unique aspect of him now competing in a multi-class environment over the course of a 24-hour race with all kinds of variables that will be new and foreign to him, compared with any other form of racing he’s ever done," Atherton said. "We all saw the remarkable embrace of his ability to compete at the highest level at the 500, I think everybody here is confident he will do the same, albeit with a lot of variables that are frankly out of control in this space."

Alonso addressed the media Friday as well after taking his first three laps at Daytona International Speedway.

"It’s more of the same goal as Indianapolis," he said. "Trying to learn different driving techniques… trying to be a better driver when the 24 hours are finished."

In addition to competing in his first IMSA race, it’s also his first time driving at night in a race, period. "Many new things will come, [I’m] taking everything step by step."

He added that he does feel competitive approaching the Roar.

"There is always a competitive person inside of all of us, the drivers and teams, so as soon as you smell the blood, you go for it, you [swim] with the sharks."